Bruce Bochy tries on a San Francisco Giants hat after being introduced as the team's' new manager in a press conference at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Friday, Oct. 27, 2006.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Photo: MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ

Bruce Bochy tries on a San Francisco Giants hat after being...

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Bruce Bochy, right, holds a jersey after being introduced by general manager Brian Sabean, left, as the San Francisco Giants' new manager in a press conference at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Friday, Oct. 27, 2006. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Bochy, 51, received a three-year contract worth $6 million to replace Felipe Alou, whose contract was not renewed after four season.

For the past 12 years, Bochy has managed the San Diego Padres, a team he had been with for 24 years -- as a catcher, minor-league manager, major-league coach and, since 1995, major-league manager.

"I wasn't really ready to make a change, but (general manager) Brian Sabean made a strong case that he's as hungry as I am to reach the goal we all want to reach, and that's to win a World Series," he said. "The more I talk to Brian, the more excited I get about what I could do here."

The Giants expect an influx of younger players next year, and the team's management characterized Bochy today as someone who can lead the team to victory.

"It's no news to anybody here that this ballclub has gotten off track the last couple years, but this is a storied franchise with a great history, and I am looking forward to this opportunity to bring winning baseball back to San Francisco," Bochy said.

Sabean said the two had discussed how to handle Barry Bonds, but that the issue wasn't a determining factor for either side.

Bonds, 42, has been the central figure in a steroids scandal and remains under investigation by a federal grand jury looking into possible tax evasion and perjury.

"That was part of the interview process, talking about Barry with the ball club or Barry not with the ballclub," he said. "In Bruce's case, it isn't that big of a deal whether he's here or not. Bruce has been around the block and knows how to handle these situations."

Bochy led the Padres to National League West titles in 1996, 1998, 2005 and 2006 and took them to the World Series in 1998. He has a reputation as a players-friendly manager, but occasionally was criticized in San Diego for his game management, particularly during the postseason.

During his 12 years as Padres manager, the team was 951-975 during the regular season.